Purim is one of Judaism’s most playful holidays. It is a time to dress up in costumes and masks and make fun of our enemies. It is a time to eat three-cornered hamentashen cookies or ear shaped orejas de haman. It is a time to give cookies to our friends and neighbors and charity to those who are poor. For children it is time for a carnival. Who can resist this invitation to be silly? This is a great holiday to share with family and friends whether they are Jewish or not!

Purim also has resonance for interfaith couples! Queen Esther is in an interfaith marriage and has a whole book written about her bravery.

This colorful booklet will give all the basics about this holiday which combines elements of Halloween, Mardi Gras and the secular new year. It is a holiday not only for children who know immediately that anything with a costume will be fun, but for adults too.

Display this booklet prominently in your lobby. Hand it out to religious school children because in a very short time we are all commanded to be silly!! Yes, this is a commandment. The Talmud tells us to drink until we cannot tell the difference between Mordechai (the good guy) and Haman (the bad guy). Here is a holiday for all those who think religion is stuffy and staid. Let them know that Judaism and Jews know that spring is a time for fun!